Are you looking for a butt-busting workout that comes with a side of history? Believe it or not, such a thing exists, as these 5 trails around Denver will lead you to extraordinary ancient ruins, making for one unforgettable Colorado hike:
The next time you head to a concert at Red Rocks, make plans to leave early so that you can experience the fascinating Dinosaur Ridge; a Morrison Fossil Area National Natural Landmark that houses an epic 1.5-mile trail that passes through hundreds of dinosaur tracks AND bones.
Thought to have been occupied by Prehistoric hunter-gatherers beginning in 6400 B.C., the Franktown Cave is the largest rock shelter documented on the Palmer Divide. (Please note: The Franktown Cave is on private property, so please seek proper permission before making the trek to find it.)
Okay, so technically these aren't *ancient* ruins, but we figured that if you are in Franktown anyway, you may want to check out the remnants of the old Castlewood Canyon Dam, which burst in 1933 and spilled enough water to create a flood in Downtown Denver (25 miles north of the dam)! While the park boasts numerous designated hiking trails, you will want to take the short and easy Dam Trail to find the ruins.
For one colorful 3.6-mile hike, don't miss the jaw-dropping Paint Mines Trail, which features geological formations of hoodoos adorned in bright clays used by Native Americans some 9,000 years ago.
The best way to end this list of ancient ruin trails is with the unbelievable Picketwire Canyonlands; one of the largest dinosaur tracksites in the country that not only boasts nearby trails and grasslands to walk along, but more than 100 dinosaur trackways that you can actually walk on.
It is wildflower season, Denver! Even though wildflowers are not the official state flower of Colorado, I almost feel like they should be not only because of their abundance, but because of their beautiful appearance, fragrant scents, and vibrant colors that can't help but make you smile! If you are like me and just can't seem to get enough of these lovely blooms, make plans to take a hike along this breathtaking trail to see some stunning wildflowers in Denver.
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Located a mere hour from Denver, the Herman Gulch Trail is a 6 1/2-mile out-and-back trail that is situated right in the heart of the enchanting Arapaho National Forest.
Get ready for an amazing day because this is one of the prettiest wildflower hikes near Denver.
Running along part of the Continental Divide Trail, Herman Gulch features several unforgettable features like a crystal clear lake, lush valleys, and an elevation gain of nearly 2,000 feet!
While we love nearly every part of this fun (albeit butt-busting) hike, our favorite aspect would have to be the hundreds of thousands of colorful wildflowers lining the vividly green meadow.
If you're looking for gorgeous wildflowers in Colorado, this is the spot for you!
Don't say we didn't warn you, but the beauty of this (literally) breathtaking trail may just ruin you for all other Colorado trails! These wildflowers in Denver are simply majestic.
The Herman Gulch Trail can be accessed by taking I-70 to Exit 218, which is the exact location of the trailhead.
If wildflowers in Denver are one of your favorite things about spring in Colorado, you will love this hike! Have you had the chance to go already? If you have, please let us know about your experiences in the comments section! If you have any other suggestions for wildflower hikes around Denver, we would love to hear them as well. Looking for a way to fully prepare for your outdoor adventure? Check out The Ultimate Hiking Packing List: 75 Must-Have Hiking Accessories.
I don't know about you, but I get downright giddy when those delightful little Colorado wildflowers start popping up all along the trails near Denver. And the best part is, that as the season goes on, it only gets better and better! Peak viewing times vary, and as a general rule, the high country explodes with bursts of brightly colored blooms primarily during June and July. However, you can enjoy the wondrous beauty of wildflowers in several places depending on the timing, species, and elevation. Be sure to check out the best hikes in Colorado where the wildflowers are completely out of this world!
Want a spectacular wildflower hike which also boasts pristine mountain lakes and stunning surrounding summits? This idyllic alpine wilderness just west of Nederland is sheer perfection! There are many trails options, but one good route is the Devils Thumb Bypass, which begins at the Hessie Trailhead, continues on the Devils Thumb Bypass Trail, then pushes upward to the breathtaking Continental Divide at 6.5 miles and roughly 11,000 feet. Enjoy expansive wildflower meadows, Jasper and Devils Thumb Lakes, and intersections for optional trails to Lost Lake, King Lake, Woodland Lake, and Diamond Lake. Is there such a thing as too much beauty?!
Roxborough State Park, known for its awe-inspiring red rock formations, is also home to the Willow Creek Trail, renowned for its abundance of enchanting wildflowers. It's a short, gentle 1.4-mile loop that's ideal for a serene stroll among the flora and prime bird watching too. (Note: Pets, horses, and mountain bikes are not allowed at this park).The trail is among the best hikes in Colorado.
Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the most visited parks in the U.S. and is home to a whole slew of wildflower-filled hikes bursting with color from spring through summer. The Cub Lake/Pool Loop has a peak elevation of 8,620 feet, which makes it an excellent choice for seeing blooms early in the season, as well as the East Inlet Trail to Lone Pine Lake, located on the slightly quieter western side of the park. (Note: Dogs are also prohibited at Rocky Mountain National Park).
Eagles Nest Wilderness is a splendid 133,688-acre wilderness area near Eagle and Summit Counties. Each year during the summer months it explodes with a frenzy of wildflowers including columbine, lupine, larkspur, monkshood, wild geranium, wild iris, and Indian paintbrush. Notable trails include the Bighorn Creek Trail, the Gore Range Trail, and Eaglesmere Lakes Trail, which has over 100 species of wildflowers on display! If you're looking for scenic hikes in Colorado, the Eagles Nest Wilderness is one of the best places to find them.
The Herman Gulch Trail in the Arapaho National Forest is a section of the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail that boasts an exceptional amount of natural beauty. Enjoy lush, green meadows painted with wildflowers that bloom all over the open, rolling tundra in this broad mountain valley and catch glimpses of the peaks along the Continental Divide before arriving at the emerald green, crystal clear Herman Lake at 11,987 feet. Herman Gulch is truly a wildflower wonderland!
The wildflower display at Rabbit Ear Pass near Steamboat Springs is nothing short of outstanding. Enjoy the blooming bursts of color in the meadows along the beautiful trail, then scramble up the last quarter of a mile for spectacular vistas from the summit of Rabbit Ear Peak. And for a little extra wildflower action, stop at nearby Dumont Lake before or after your hike and breathe in all the blooming beauty.
What makes this popular, picturesque park near Boulder so great (besides the wildflowers, of course) is that there are TONS of trail options ranging from short, easy strolls to strenuous, all-day summit hikes. Charming Chautauqua Park has trails that are suitable for all skill levels, and lovely little wildflowers decorating the meadows and hillsides around them.
Butler Gulch in the Arapahoe National Forest near Idaho Springs is undoubtedly one of the best places to experience jaw-dropping views of wildflowers in the Front Range, and with over 100 species of wildflowers along the trail, it's earned the acclaim of being a "century" hike. On this roughly 5-mile trail that peaks at almost 12,000', you'll enjoy fabulous flora, 360-degree mountain views, alpine lakes, and a year-round glacier.
The Rawah Wilderness area nestled in the Roosevelt National Forest near Fort Collins is truly a hidden gem. The glacier-carved granite peaks of the Medicine Bow Mountains serve as the centerpiece, with roughly 76 miles of trails and 26 pristine alpine lakes surrounding them. One particularly stunning hike is the Blue Lake Trail which begins at 9,495 feet at the mouth of the Poudre Canyon and climbs to Blue Lake at nearly 12,000 feet. To say it's utterly breathtaking is probably an understatement.
For a completely different and unique wildflower viewing experience, check out the Pawnee Buttes Trail in the Pawnee National Grasslands northeast of Denver and Fort Collins. At first glance, the shortgrass prairie appears to be dry and desolate, but a closer inspection reveals delightful little wildflowers such as prairie coneflower, prickly gilia, sand dock, prairie snowball, evening primrose, and prickly poppy. And due to its lower elevation, the wildflowers here bloom from April to September so you're guaranteed to see pops of color along the prairie no matter when you go!
One of the most epic wildflower and best overall scenic hikes in Colorado (and perhaps the country) is the 11-mile trail over West Maroon Pass from Aspen to Crested Butte (or vice-versa). Expect a strenuous trek filled with insanely stunning scenery like you've NEVER seen! From eye-popping meadows blanketed with brightly colored wildflowers to jaw-dropping 14,000-foot peaks and impossibly clear alpine lakes. (Note: The trail ends in Gothic near Crested Butte, so you will need to camp, shuttle cars, or arrange a pick-up with Dolly's Mountain Shuttle).
Fun fact: Crested Butte is affectionately known as "Wildflower Capital of Colorado" and hosts a wonderful wildflower festival in July. Be sure to check out all of the other trail options the Butte has to offer.
Don't forget to install AllTrails Plus on your smartphone to help you navigate the trails, whether you have service or not, so you can concentrate on the gorgeous Colorado wildflowers. What are your favorite epic hikes near Denver to see wildflowers? Don't hold out on us! Share your stunning spots in the comments.
